Is Cannabis Legal In Florida?

Many Americans may be surprised to find that despite Florida’s reputation, it is not among the states currently permitting the use of recreational cannabis. However, the penalties for possessing cannabis are much lighter compared to those in other states. Those possessing 20 grams or less will face a maximum of 1 year in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000. Those with over 20 grams will face a maximum imprisonment sentence of 5 years and a fine no greater than $5,000.

Fortunately, recent laws have been passed to grant Florida residents access to medical marijuana. In order to legally use medicinal cannabis for medical purposes, residents must first be diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions by a certified physician: ALS, Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, Seizures, or terminal illnesses (with no more than 12-months to live). While patients are allowed to purchase from state-licensed dispensaries, home cultivation is still prohibited. The laws are fairly new and patient possession limits have not been set, however patients are only able to hold what their physician has prescribed for their specific condition. This option is only available for Florida residents, and is not open to card carrying tourists that visit Florida.

While the conditions and regulations are still a work in progress, Florida has already received a fair share of backlash from its residents over some of the details intended in the new law. Patients and state health officials are now requesting that the state eliminates the requirement that patients must be under a physician’s care for at least 90 day’s before receiving a prescription.

Considering that these current laws are were only passed this last February of 2017, there’s are still many details currently in development. If you or someone you’re close to is a patient hoping to receiving medicinal cannabis as a treatment option, we suggest staying up to date on the current developing laws. As the details of the laws change from day to day this is the best way to protect yourself from being charged with any type of felony.